Paterson trying to find solution to long-time plague of potholes

PATERSON (WABC) -- Thanks to the rough winter, it's been a year of driving dangerously. Just about every community has been plagued by potholes.

But few cities have had it rougher than Paterson, New Jersey.

A lack of city workers and public money have been keeping the potholes from getting fixed.

From the street level to the bottom of one Paterson pothole, it feels like an elevator ride to the rocky depths unknown.

What we do know is that these craters have created road hazards, forcing motorists to zig and zag to keep from damaging their cars.

"I'm either cracking my rims, getting flats all the time, it's horrible you know?", said one driver.

Residents say it has been a long-time problem, and some streets look like the surface of the moon. The city says it doesn't have the resources to fix the potholes.

Those who live here say it's way past time to repair the rugged, rough roads.

"If you have a new car I feel sorry for you, because it's going to get torn up right away," said a Paterson resident. "I see so many people get flat tires in this big hole right here."

The Mayor-elect of Paterson says he is making road repairs a top priority of his administration. Soon to be Mayor Joey Torres says besides reducing crime, it's time to smooth the surface of the city's roads.

"I put together a $35 million, 170 road reconstruction project which I'm looking to get authorization, financed and do right on July 1st at the first regular meeting of the governing body," said Torres, who takes office July 1st.